The screen-used hero car from Back to the Future is a 1981 De Lorean DMC-12 owned by Universal Studios and on permanent loan to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. It was restored in 2012–13 and is not currently in running condition.
The museum car is distinct from other DeLoreans, film-related vehicles, and replicas. The National Historic Vehicle Register identifies it as the screen-used hero car; a separate DeLorean, VIN #10902, was later converted into a time-machine replica, according to Back to the Future Museum Italia.
Where is the original Back to the Future DeLorean?
The hero car is at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where it is on permanent display on loan from its owner, Universal Studios. The Hagerty Drivers Foundation’s National Historic Vehicle Register identifies the car as a 1981 De Lorean DMC-12 used in the 1985 film.
The register says the car was restored in 2012–13 in a project spearheaded by writer Bob Gale, with Joe Walser leading a team of fans. Film details including the flux bands, time circuit, and flux capacitor were restored or reproduced.
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- An import from Aoshima
- From the classic film series
- Gull wing doors are functional and can be opened and closed even after assembly
- Includes a same-scale Hoverboard and detail-up parts
- Finished model measures approximately 184mm in length
The register also says the car is not currently in running condition and its total mileage is unknown. Its permanent loan and display status do not guarantee that it will be visible on a particular visit date, so check the museum’s current visitor information before travelling.
The Petersen hero car and other DeLoreans
Not every DeLorean associated with the films is the Petersen hero car. Universal Studios owns the screen-used vehicle on loan to the museum, while other cars, props, and replicas have separate histories. Distinguishing them matters: a vehicle styled as the time machine is not necessarily the screen-used hero car.
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- Collectible miniature car in scale 1/24, in metal
- Model presented in a pretty box diorama with the image of the film
- BACK TO THE FUTURE COLLECTION
For example, Back to the Future Museum Italia documents VIN #10902 as a separate DMC-12. Its account says it was originally an unmodified car used as a Universal Studios contest prize, later changed hands, and was acquired by a private collector in 2018 before being converted into a time-machine replica. That account does not identify it as the Petersen hero car.
The official franchise site also describes the Team Fox DeLorean as a functioning, road-worthy vehicle available for rentals and appearances benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation. It is another separate vehicle, not the museum’s hero car.
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- Country Of Origin : United States
- As Seen In Back To The Future Part Ii,The Time Machine Has Been Taken Directly From The Big Screen And Brought To You In A 1:24 Scale Die - Cast Model
- Relive Your Favorite Scenes From The Movie, Help Doc And Marty Save The Day
- Crafted From Durable Materials Such As 100% Die - Cast Metal And Premium Rubber Tires.
Planning a visit
- Check the Petersen Automotive Museum’s current visitor information before setting out; the display record does not confirm visibility on a specific date.
- Look for current museum information about hours, admission, and galleries, as these details are not established by the cited vehicle record.
FAQ
Is the Back to the Future car at the Petersen Automotive Museum?
Yes. The screen-used 1981 De Lorean DMC-12 hero car is on permanent loan from Universal Studios to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, according to the Hagerty Drivers Foundation’s National Historic Vehicle Register.
Can you drive the Petersen DeLorean?
No. The register says the car is not currently in running condition. It does not establish that the car is drivable or street-legal.
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- An import from Aoshima
- Easy to assemble, fast and easy to drive Time Machine
- Measures approximately 4.13” in length
- Pull-back spring included
- Parts that appeared in each series title are included
Is VIN #10902 the original movie car?
No. Back to the Future Museum Italia describes VIN #10902 as a separate DMC-12 later converted into a time-machine replica. It is not the Petersen hero car identified by the National Historic Vehicle Register.
Will the DeLorean be on view when I visit?
The register records the car as on permanent display, but that does not confirm it will be visible on a particular date. Check the Petersen’s current visitor information before travelling.
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